Fischenthal: Hiking, Mountains and Winter

Fischenthal is officially recognised as a local recreation area. Its landscape invites visitors to hike, mountain bike, snowshoe and sled all year round. Cross-country ski trails, the Steg ski area, the outdoor swimming pool and places of historical and cultural interest offer different highlights depending on the season. When planning your trip, it is worth considering your preferred season and planned activities together.

Hikes and mountain scenery

One of the most rewarding hikes leads from Fischenthal over the Hüttchopf, at 1,232 metres above sea level, and the Tössscheidi to Wald. From the ridge before the Hüttchopf, the view extends across almost the entire Tösstal. From the summit, on a clear day, the Alpine panorama stretches from the Säntis and Tödi to the Bernese Alps.

The Schnebelhorn belongs to Fischenthal. At 1,292 metres above sea level, it is the highest peak in the canton of Zurich and stands 60 metres higher than the Hüttchopf. A detour of about 20 minutes leads to the Brandenfels: a stream cascades over a rocky ledge, with a well-equipped picnic area behind it. The area around the Tössstock is a wildlife sanctuary, where chamois also live. One of Fischenthal’s several public fire pits is at Tössscheidi. Check its current status before using it; before setting off on a hike, you should also check trail conditions and accessibility.

Cross-country skiing and downhill skiing in winter

The Rietliloipe between Gibswil and Fischenthal is almost four kilometres long and flat. It is suitable for beginners and for all ages, but dogs and pedestrians are not allowed. The Amslen cross-country skiing centre also has a four-kilometre night trail. Both facilities are dependent on snow conditions. Before cross-country skiing, check the current grooming and accessibility; for the Amslen night trail, also check whether the lighting is operating.

The Steg ski area lies between 700 and 1,023 metres above sea level. It has two drag lifts: the main lift is 1,100 metres long and climbs 309 metres; the trainer lift is 160 metres long and climbs 30 metres. The runs are suitable for both advanced skiers and beginners. The different lift lengths and elevation gains give a clear overview of the two facilities. As this is a seasonal winter sports area, check current operating conditions before your visit.

Outdoor swimming and cycling

The Steg swimming pool is an outdoor pool open in summer. It has a 25-metre pool with a designated swimming lane. Check the current opening times and pool layout before visiting.

There is an important distinction to bear in mind when cycling: Fischenthal currently has no official mountain biking routes, but cycling on forest roads is permitted. As route status may change, check local conditions before setting out.

Culture and local history

The Reformed Church at Kirchstrasse 2 is listed as a B-category property in the Swiss Inventory of Cultural Property Protection; the cantonal list is dated 6 February 2026. Until the First World War, the “Jakobsweg” pilgrimage route passed through Fischenthal. The “Alte Kanzlei” local museum preserves objects from everyday life in the past and present, as well as documents, pictures, photographs, films and a collection of chronicles.

Fischenthal lies in the upper Töss mountain region and is shaped by mountain farming, cottage industry, small-animal husbandry, earlier industrialisation and a pre-Alpine settlement pattern. The Kleintal turning workshop preserves a craft business from the second half of the 19th century in a particularly distinctive way. The entire facility remains in its original condition, from the energy supply and transmission-driven machines to the specialist tools; today, it is used exclusively as a museum. The Fischenthal local museum committee is responsible for the Fastnachts-Umezüge together with the neighbouring municipality of Wald, and maintains the former shoemaker’s workshop of Albert Knecht in the Kleintal turning workshop.

Getting there and finding your way around

The villages of Steg im Tösstal and Gibswil are part of Fischenthal. The municipality has three railway stations: in Steg, Fischenthal and Gibswil. The S26 provides direct connections to Rapperswil and Winterthur. The station locations help you find your way between the different parts of the municipality; check the current timetable before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Bubikon, Dürnten, Grüningen, Gossau, Wetzikon, Wald, Bäretswil, Hinwil.

Back to the main travel overview: Hinwil.